Tim Kennelly in action during the Semi Finals of the Australian Baseball League between the Perth Heat and Canberra Cavalry at the Perth Harley Davidson Ballpark. Photographer : James Worsfold - SMP Images. (James Worsfold)

After a semi-final exit in this year's Australian Baseball League, Perth Heat Manager Andy Kyle says his side will learn from their experiences and come back bigger and better next season.

"We can get better and learn from this experience. We've still got a lot of young people on this ball club and we'll mature from this opportunity." Kyle said.

After finishing bottom of the ABL standings last year, the Heat surprised many teams along the way to a 26-14 record and second-place finish this season.

The Heat led the league in numerous offensive statistics, including batting average (.309), runs scored (334) and stolen bases (70), and sat middle of the pack with a 5.45 team ERA.

"When I sit back and look on this year, there's been a lot of positives," Kyle said.

Having announced a new affiliation with the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of the season, Kyle says he has been impressed by the performances of Jake Fraley, Mike Brosseau, Garrett Whitley, Zac Law and Assistant Coach Craig Albernaz.

"I can't speak highly enough about the organisation and the boys we had come out," he said.

Having broken the league stolen base and run scored records, as well as the Heat's single-season home run mark, outfielder Fraley will be in contention for the Helms Award - the league's MVP.

"I'm still able to enjoy the game the same as when I used to play in the back garden with my Dad - it's a blessing," the 22-year-old said.

The season was a success on a global scale too, with young-guns Jess Williams and Alex Hall signing their first professional contracts with the Milwaukee Brewers in December, whilst Robbie Glendinning (Pittsburgh) and Ulrich Bojarski and Jake Baker (Detroit) will return to the U.S. for their second seasons of minor league action.

Pitcher Warwick Saupold will again suit up for the Detroit Tigers in the MLB as the Heat flag continues to fly stateside.

The Heat return to action in November, as they look to clinch a 16th Claxton Shield title in 2018-19.

Team Leaders

Batting Average: Mike Brosseau (.427)

Home Runs: Jake Fraley & Luke Hughes (13)

Runs Batted In: Jake Fraley (39)

Stolen Bases: Jake Fraley (39)

Wins: Kyle Simon (5)

Saves: Cameron Lamb (6)

Strikeouts: Alex Boshers (52)

This story was not subject to the approval of the Australian Baseball League or its clubs.